The purpose of this study was to assess New Year optimism going into 2012. Plus 94 conducted this research study against a backdrop of positive economic data from Stellenbosch Bureau for Economic Research that revised South Africa’s gross domestic product growth forecast from 3.4% to 3.8%. The reason for the upward revision is due in part to consumer spending that was higher than expected. The survey sample was drawn from a dedicated Plus 94 Research panel. The survey was conducted by means of email invitations and completion of the questionnaires online by panel members. The final sample was 292 respondents.